Sandra‘s Closet

A new limited edition collection to welcome spring by Jo Malone London. Five unexpected scents, inspired by the unruly weeds and wildly-wonderful plants and flowers that line the banks of a winding river.

Hemlock & Bergamot Cologne 30ml
Hemlock’s powdery petals, brightened with bergamot. A deadly, yet unexpectedly-delicate flower. Illuminated with golden mimosa and a floral flourish of heliotrope. Crisp and modern with a bite of cucumber.

Cade & Cedarwood Cologne 30ml
The smouldering embers of a wood-burning stove at nightfall. Basking in the warm and comforting glow of cade – its smoky scent mingled with cedarwood and complemented by a mouth-watering hint of sensual vanilla.

Lupin & Patchouli Cologne 30ml
Reminiscent of canal banks, awash with colour. A rainbow of lupin flowers, enriched by luxurious rose and deepened with rebellious patchouli. A surprising contrast with the fresh vibrancy of mandarin.

Willow & Amber Cologne 30ml
The expressive weeping willow, gently draping across the fresh morning water. Captured in the woody pairing of cashmere wood and smoky vetiver, enhanced by softly sensual amber.

Nettle & Wild Achillea Cologne 30ml
The tangy sting of nettle, peeking through pavement cracks and entwined with wild, white achillea flower. Sparkling with bright bergamot, the greenness softened by a soft base of white musk.

In stores now for CHF 72.00 each 30ml Cologne.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone London
#WildlyWonderful – #FragranceCombining

Spring is already in full bloom. Are you ready to be fully repowered? Experience François Nars’ revolution in skin – radiance from every angle. Recharge your complexion with a radiance-boosting lineup designed to reveal your skin at its absolute best with an eye make-up in nude shades that will make others green with envy, especially if they are wearing the wrong foundation :-).

Featuring the new, limited-edition SUPER RADIANCE BOOSTER – available in one universal rose gold shade that flatters all skin tones – that amplifies skin’s illumination with a pearlescent glow and lightweight, layerable texture. You can layer it underneath or mix a drop with foundation to customize an all over, radiant glow. For a subtle highlight, blend onto high points of cheekbones, bridge of nose, cupid’s bow and décolleté.

What I truly like is that you can use it to intensify the radiant effect of NARS’ cult-classic complexion essentials:

– the high coverage, longwearing NATURAL RADIANT LONGWEAR FOUNDATION. NARS’ first 16-hour non-comedogenic liquid foundation that stays turned on by the power of radiance. Now available in 34 shades.

– fan-favourite SHEER GLOW FOUNDATION. The glowing, natural radiant finish foundation provides sheer, buildable coverage and evens skin tone. Now available in 34 shades for more luminosity.

– and the bestselling, multi-purpose RADIANT CREAMY CONCEALER. The award-winning multi-action concealer, contours, highlights, corrects, and perfects with medium-to-buildable coverage and a natural radiant finish. Now available in 30 shades.

To finish off your perfect complexion, I recommend the beautiful new, limited edition SKIN DEEP EYE PALETTE – the ultimate palette of nude shadows created for all skin tones. Go from subtle to smoky with rich mattes, lustrous shimmers, and smoldering metallic shadows, infused with NARS’ Pigment Power Suspension for a high-impact, silky effect. Each shadow can be used in a multitude of ways for a variety of François Nars’ signature looks. Wear it. Bare it. Make it yours.

TO SHOP NARS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE, or above on the respective highlighted text to be transferred directly to the product you like.

Tested and approved by me!

If you are living in the Zurich area, you can benefit from a free professional make-up consultation at Jelmoli. Just call +41 44 220 43 58 and meet Sophie Thibout, NARS make-up artist, who comes to the NARS Counter exclusively for 3 days: Tuesday 5th, Thursday 7th and Saturday 9th of March, 2019.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © NARS and © Sandra Bauknecht

A REBELLIOUS COLLECTION IN ACID-BRIGHT COLOURS

Richard Mille has bitten into a juicy new realm of graphic, emotional and chromatic expression. The so-called Bonbon Collection comprises 10 models, each produced in an edition of 30 pieces.

Together, they articulate a sweet and tangy new vision of watchmaking. Composed of candies, pastries and fruit, these 10 horological treats once again subvert existing conventions, habits and expectations. Drawing on avowed expertise in the area of materials, colour and form, Richard Mille has taken the lid off a candy jar to reveal two kinds of confections for the wrist. Based on three of the brand’s iconic models, the RM 07-03, RM 16-01 and RM 37-01 offer a passage back to childhood with the simple pleasure of slightly regressive and thoroughly tasty memories, to be enjoyed without moderation.

‘The idea was to revisit the existing collections while playing with colour. This allowed me to bring out a pop-inspired sense of fun. In all, we developed a palette of 60 colours for this unisex collection,’ explained Cécile Guenat, artistic director for the collection.

Foretaste

Despite its disruptive appearance, the Richard Mille Bonbon Collection is directly descended from earlier Richard Mille creations. Take colour—the brand is continuously expanding its range. Forays into the spectrum of greens, crimson, yellow and even pink are possible thanks to a mastery of materials, many of them exclusive, that is a Richard Mille specialty. The brand’s understanding of how tinted ceramics behave, expertise in layering materials like Carbon TPT® and Quartz TPT® and constant improvements to the setting of coloured gemstones are all ingredients in these confectionary recipes, which are singularly imaginative, playful, distinctive and, most importantly, appetising. Lastly, a finely honed eye for detail makes these 10 models stunning graphic compositions that offer a wealth of shades and textures appearing in every component of the watch. The crowns and some of the caseband, for instance, take the shape of a particular treat, such as a cupcake or gelato.

Great delights

The Sweets collection comprises four models, all with two-tone ceramic cases that set off their grand feu enamel or black-chromed titanium confections. The RM 07-03 Cupcake, RM 07-03 Marshmallow, RM 37-01 Sucette and RM 16-01 Réglisse are colourful and delectable, evoking a whole spectrum of flavours. Better yet, the textures you expect to encounter upon biting into these sweets are conjured visually thanks to a mastery of enamelwork that succeeds in evoking sensations like softness, crunchiness, and fluffiness. The creamy quality of the TZP ceramic case is enhanced by the varied matt and polished effects of elements on the dial. Black, a foundational colour in the technical vocabulary of Richard Mille, is presented in a whole new light here, as a giant roll of liquorice that occupies the entire surface of a dial. Here, the most satisfactory solution for obtaining the liquorice shape of the RM 16-01 was a stamping operation, followed by a black chrome coating that lends this piece its spot-on colour and texture.

Tiny treats

The Fruit line is a homage to the very concept of sweet temptation in six delectable flavours: Lemon and Strawberry (RM 16-01 Citron et Fraise), Blueberry and Litchi (RM 07-03 Myrtille et Litchi), Kiwi and Cherry (RM 37-01 Kiwi et Cerise). In addition to colour-gradient cases made of Carbon TPT® combined with Quartz TPT® of a different hue for each model is an all-new turquoise colour. Painted in acrylics and lacquered by hand, the 3,000 miniature sculptures integrated in these compositions stand out from the dials, turning each one into a sachet full of tiny candies. To further enhance their realism, a ‘sugar coating’ effect was achieved using powdered enamel and the fine sand employed in hourglasses. Tart jelly ribbons, twisty lollipops, candy citrus segments, gumdrops and other surprises are positioned on plates of grade 5 titanium that are machined and skeletonised like horological components.

Regressive pleasures

From velvety marshmallow or custard cream to the crunch of hard candies and lollipops and tangy tartness of citrus quarters… Applying the science of materials and textures to the realm of confectionary, Richard Mille has embarked on a vast collection of delicious and powerfully evocative pieces. Whether in the Sweet or Fruit line, every watch in the Bonbon Collection is mouth-wateringly appetising, and promises a moment of horological extasy.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Richard Mille and © Sandra Bauknecht 

When you cry ‘wolf ’, it appears on the dial of the new Arceau Awooooo ! watch. Crafted in enamel, the silver-furred animal stands out against a starstudded backdrop featuring a slim moon crescent. This miniature scene is beautifully framed by a white gold case and a matte graphite alligator strap.

A new character in the bestiary designed by Alice Shirley, the Arceau watch now calls “Awooooo!” with its motif initially created for a line of men’s scarves. The fascinating yet feared white wolf of myths and fairy stories emerges from the woods, gloriously wild and depicted in miniature on an enamel-painted dial.

In reproducing the refined original design, the wolf and its star-studded background spring to life by dint of meticulous workmanship. The artisan crafts both sides of the transparent white enamel dial, then carefully polishes it to achieve a perfectly smooth surface. The outlines of the motif are then traced and, using an extremely fine brush, various enamel powders are applied mixed with natural oils. Then come several successive stages of coatings, interspersed with drying and firing in the oven, before the painting takes shape in all its magnificent realism.

Using a graphic style and subtle shades of grey, the animal is shown in its natural, essentially nocturnal way of life. A starry night and a slim moon crescent also evoke the cycle of nature, within which the predator plays an essential role. The overall tone matches the white gold case, whose round shape topped by stirrup-shaped lugs houses a Manufacture Hermès movement.

Fitted with a matte graphite alligator strap, its classic design imagined 40 years ago by Henri d’Origny accentuates the elegance of this eight-piece limited edition.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Numbered limited edition of 8
DIAL
White gold base enamelled using the miniature painting technique.
Awooooo motif from a Hermès scarf designed by the artist Alice Shirley
CASE
Round, 41 mm in diameter in 750 white gold (≈ 52 g)
Anti-glare sapphire crystal and case-back / Water-resistant to 3 bar
21 mm interhorn width
STRAP
Matte graphite alligator with a 750 white gold pin buckle (≈ 5.34 g), 17 mm
MOVEMENT
Manufacture Hermès H1837 movement/ Mechanical self-winding, Swiss made
26 mm in diameter, 3.7 mm thick / 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
50-hour power reserve / Circular-grained and snailed mainplate
Bridges and oscillating weight satin-brushed and adorned with a sprinkling of Hs,
Hermès Paris engraving.
FUNCTIONS
Hours, minutes

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hermès / David Marchon

Chinese New Year officially begins today on February 5th, 2019, and ends on February 19th. Also known as the «Spring Festival» in modern Mainland China, it is the country’s most important traditional festival and beginning of a new Chinese animal zodiac cycle: the year of the Pig.

Those born during the Chinese zodiac year of the pig are pleasant, polite and have good taste. They are perfectionists that appreciate the most beautiful things, they help others and are great companions as long as you don’t cross them, so be careful! They are smart, always on the search for knowledge and exclusivity. Unfortunately, pig years are also believed to be the most unlucky for people born in previous years of the Pig.

Prada presents Prada Wonderland, a new and exclusive pop-up installation at the prestigious Galaxy Macau, open until 10 March 2019 on the occasion of the Chinese New Year celebrations.

 Luxury brands are all on board for Lunar New Year. The festivities rank high in China – a market where consumers still pay full price for expensive wares. According to a report by Bain & Company, China represents «32% of the global luxury consumption.»

Here are the best limited edition collections by the big names of the luxury industry to celebrate Chinese New Year:

DODO
This new limited edition piglet charm is just too cute. For a limited time only, you can shop the pig-shaped pendant in 18kt yellow gold and red enamel with black cord included.

DIESEL
To celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, Diesel introduces a 9-piece premium limited edition capsule collection that is sold globally.

MOSCHINO
Porky Pig and Petunia Pig are the stars of a fun and glamorous limited edition, created especially for one of the most important traditional Chinese festivities.

LANVIN
For the S/S 2019 Pre-Collection, Lanvin is paying tribute to the Lunar New Year with an exclusive capsule collection. Lanvin is celebrating the year of the pig, a cute and curvaceous mascot, with a selection of lucky charm accessories adorned with «pig» embroidery studded with dazzling jewels, perfect for gifting and collecting alike.

GUCCI
The Italian fashion house celebrates the Year of the Pig with a special collection of ready-to-wear and accessories featuring three playful designs including a print of Walt Disney’s cartoon characters, the ‘Three Little Pigs’. Shot by Frank Lebon, a special editorial shoot features tiny piglets with their human friends captured inside richly decorated apartments and walking the streets of New York City.

LOUIS VUITTON
Inspired by the Chinese zodiac, the Superstition square features these twelve symbols playfully illustrated with iconic House motifs. The center is decorated with a large LV Circle, layered over Monogram Flowers and surrounded by the creatures.

MARNI
The small piglet, symbol of the new Marni Capsule Collection, comes from an imaginary universe dedicated to the Chinese New Year: a range of accessories for her and a new original version of Big Foot sneakers pay homage to the twelfth protagonist of the Chinese horoscope, as well as the sign’s cheerful and dreamy character.

PANERAI
For the Chinese Year of the Pig, Panerai presents an 88-piece limited edition Luminor Sealand. The cover is hand-decorated by master engravers using the sparsello technique.

VACHERON CONSTANTIN
For its Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Pig Watch in 18K Pink Gold, the Swiss watchmaker uses enameling, gems-setting and other artistic aspects of watchmaking.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

«I AM SURE THAT MERMAIDS DO EXIST.» – MILO MANARA

Unveiled for the first time at the SIHH in Geneva, this series of ten enchanting erotic watches truly deserve their own post. Ulysse Nardin and celebrated Italian erotic comic book artist Milo Manara have teamed up to take you on a voyage into the depths of a mythical sea of desire where Ulyssa, a mermaid, and Nadia, a woman, meet, discover and love each other in a timeless, nautical reverie.

Based on Manara’s illustrations of underwater encounters between a hauntingly beautiful woman and a mythical mermaid, the watches are a palindrome, each one a unique, timeless moment that exists independently from the others.

Using micro painting over 150 years of watchmaking knowledge and experience, Ulysse Nardin has transferred Manara’s story onto ten watch faces in a series where mermaids and sharks bask freely in clear waters, in an underwater world freed from the constraints of time.

«The clock lends itself particularly precisely to this theme because in eroticism there is eternity», Milo Manara precised.

A mermaid and a human meet and engage tenderly under the watchful eye of a distant shark. Like the sirens in Homer’s classic tale of Ulysses, Manara’s mermaid enchants the young woman, taking her into a sensual embrace. Each scene is a moment where time disappears, and love propels them as they rock gently in the ocean waves.

«I had to think of a theme that brings all these ten images together and yet leaves each one its autonomy, so that it works on its own without the need for the others», Manara explained from his studio in Valpolicella, Italy. «This is not a linear story but there is a common thread based on two characters; one is a timeless girl and the other, a mermaid».

Born in northern Italy, Manara has been a graphic illustrator for over fifty years. He was classically trained as a painter, studying the works of Rubens, Caravaggio and de Chirico before defining his own style. For this series of watches, Manara chose a universal theme – erotic love – and created characters that exist in their own time frame.

«It is clear that these women represent an ideal. If we look at Greek classicism and the Renaissance, one can see that the morphology of the physical model has changed over the centuries. I see my work as a continuous reinterpretation of the ideal model.»

Manara has created just ten of these illustrations, a series that Ulysse Nardin has reproduced using micro painting. High in the Swiss mountains, artisans at the Ulysse Nardin Headquarters in Le Locle have been working during approximately 50 hours around the clock to miniaturize each of Manara’s drawings on the dials, a surface which is roughly ten times smaller than the original water color paintings. The art of miniature painting shows that perfection is indeed in the details.

There is an explosion of colours in the sensual details. From the deep blue of the sea to the coral reef barrier, to the little waves details on the surface of the water and the color of the mermaid’s lips and jewels, it has all been painted by hand using a brush the width of a single eyelash. Patience is key. To enhance Manara’s erotic scenes, a lacquer has been applied as a topcoat on the acrylic painting, reflecting the light and nobility of Manara’s art work.

Made of polished stainless steel, these Milo Manara special editions will also be manufactured in 5N rose gold. Ten pieces per drawing will be produced in stainless steel and ten pieces in rose gold, making the series limited to a mere 200 pieces in total.

Powered by the UN-320 self-winding manufacture movement and beating at the rhythm of silicium technology – which Ulysse Nardin has mastered for decades – only the hours and minutes are displayed in order to leave a maximum amount of space on the watch faces for the drawings. The hands are discreet, leaving the drawings to star on the face of each watch. These Classico Manara in 40 mm will be set on dark blue alligator straps to align with the color tonality dictated by Manara. As a special gift from Ulysse Nardin, each watch purchase will be accompanied by an original numbered Milo Manara print, signed by the artist himself.

Stainless Steel: $ 26.900
Rose Gold: $ 34.400

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Ulysse Nardin

As promised here is the first post dedicated to a watch that was presented during SIHH 2019 last week. High jewellery, horology and design cues from nature have united in Audemars Piguet’s Haute Joaillerie collection also in past creations. This year’s unique piece pushes gem-setting craftsmanship to new heights. Named after the river that crosses Le Brassus, home of Audemars Piguet, Sapphire Orbe embodies a glittering river of diamonds and sapphires in graded hues of blue and orange, as night merges into day. Personally speaking, it is divine, I have rarely seen such a glamour in a contemporary design.

The outstanding piece features more than 12,000 stones, each rigorously selected, individually cut and set by hand. The central petal-shaped rings are entirely snow-set with diamonds and graded sapphires in 6 graded shades of blue and orange, each in 20 different diameters ranging from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm in size. Multifaceted, this piece offers a play of colour and light that changes depending on the perspective from which it is seen. It took approximately 1,050 hours to gem-set this piece.

In the domed centre nestles the 2 cm dark blue sapphire-set globe which, when inverted, reveals the watch’s 18-carat white gold dial paved with graded orange sapphires. This spherical case houses a tiny quartz calibre. The bracelet is made of articulated diamond-set components, for maximum flexibility and comfort.

FUNCTIONS
Hours and minutes
CASE
18-carat white gold case in shape of a sphere, entirely set with dark blue sapphires, surrounded by 18 carat white gold rings, set with diamonds, graded blue and orange sapphires, glareproofed sapphire crystal, water-resistant to 20 m
DIAL
18-carat white gold dial, entirely set with graded orange sapphires, white gold hands
SETTING
2,794 briliant-cut orange sapphires 15.14 carats
3,240 briliant-cut blue sapphires 23.03 carats
6,069 briliant-cut diamonds 27.93 carats
Total 12,103 stones 66.10 carats
BRACELET
Bracelet composed of 18-carat white gold elements, assembled together by hand and set with brilliant-cut diamonds, jewellery type clasp.
MOVEMENT
Quartz Calibre 2710
Total diameter 16.2 mm (7¼ lignes)
Total thickness 1.9 mm
Number of jewels 7
Frequency of the quartz 32.768 Hz

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Audemars Piguet

Tokyo is one of the top trendsetting cities in the world, so it should come as no surprise that OPI has selected the vibrant metropolis as its inspiration for the OPI Tokyo Spring 2019 Collection.

Inspired by the city’s balance of rich tradition and nature with fashion-forward style and ultra-modern cityscapes, this palette features a variety of colors that evoke the energy and creativity of Tokyo. The collection features 12 new shades in classic Nail Lacquer, Long-Wear Infinite Shine and GelColor formulas. With a nod to Tokyo’s status as a trendsetter, the collection includes a new take on millennial pink with dusty rose shades featuring tones of lavender and lilac (Rice Rice Baby, Another Ramen-tic Evening, Arigato from Tokyo, Hurry-juku Get this Color!).

Rich hues inspired by nature from matcha green tea to blooming gardens (How Does Your Zen Garden Grow?, I’m On a Sushi Roll, Suzi-san Climbs Fuji-san, Tempura-ture is Rising!) and vibrant purple and blue hues with metallic shimmer that capture the city’s electric energy and nightlife (All Your Dreams in Vending Machines, Samurai Breaks a Nail, Kanpai OPI!, Chopstix and Stones) round out the collection.

«Tokyo is known for being on the forefront of nail trends – a perfect fit for OPI, where we don’t follow the trends but set them,» declares OPI co-founder and brand ambassador, Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. «In this collection, we are revisiting the 80s and 90s, with pop colors that we’ve given a modern twist, taking inspiration from the famous Harajuku neighborhood. Tokyo brings so much life to this collection, from its eclectic fashion, vibrant nightlife and world-renowned cuisine to the rich traditions including matcha tea ceremonies and zen gardens.»

The collection will hit the shelves in Switzerland on February 14, 2019 and will be available for approximately 6 months.
Nail Lacquer – CHF 19.90 (15ml)
Long-Wear Infinite Shine – CHF 24.90 (15ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

This Carnival, feel the fervor in a full-force lineup of light-catching colour and hypnotic glitter. Layer supercharged shades of Dazzleglass over Lipstick for colour that’s completely your own, and intensify eyes in five shades of Dazzleshadow, colour-shifting Pigment, Liquidlast Linder and In Extreme Dimension Waterproof Lash. Then get euphoric with the stars of the season: five show-stopping shades of Glitter and shimmering Prep+Prime Fix+ in Goldlite.

LIPSTICK
Ruby Woo very matte vivid blue red (matte)
Hot Like Salsa bright pinkish coral (velvet matte) / Breathing Fire bright warm fuchsia (matte)
Coco-del-Rio mid-tone brown (satin) / Soleil Soleil warm nude (cremesheen)
CHF 28.00

DAZZLEGLASS
Money Honey mid-tone rosy mauve with red pearl /
Go for Gold gold / Extra Amps sheer bright blue pink with blue and pink pearl
Get Rich Quick warm yellow brown / Rags to Riches plum pink with teal and red pearl
CHF 26.00

DAZZLESHADOW
Let’s Boogie black with sparkles / Sparkling Moment black with purple and red sparkles
Let’s Roll red bronze with high sparkles / Slow / Fast / Slow bronze with red sparkles
I Like 2 Watch mid-tone brown with gold sparkles
CHF 31.00

GLITTER
Yellow Gold gold / Fuchsia Hologram 3D fuchsia / Heliotrope purple
Black Hologram 3D dark grey / Silver Hologram 3D silver
CHF 35.00

PIGMENT
Rose rose with copper sparkle (frost)
CHF 35.00
LIQUIDLAST LINER 
Point Black – black (matte) / Misty Me – bright silver (pearl) / Naked Bond – copper (pearl)
CHF 28.00
IN EXTREME DIMENSION WATERPROOF LASH
CHF 31.00
PREP+PRIME Fix+
Goldlite
CHF 26.00

M∙A∙C Carnival Limited Edition (in some countries it is called M∙A∙C Glitter Tripper collection)
Exclusively available at www.maccosmetics.ch from today.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of M∙A∙C Cosmetics

Christmas is over but let’s agree on extending the holiday festivities a little longer. Here is my reason! I am currently in Gstaad and went on a little shopping spree through the picturesque town. At DOLCE & GABBANA I fell in love with the festive looks as they are just too much fun. I had seen them online but in real life they are even more amazing. #IAMACHRISTMASTREE – that is the message. Love it so much! And let’s be honest, with so many Christmas celebrations coming up every year – it would be a great investment… sorry or an excuse for shopping!

From left to right: Tulle top, flounce skirt in tulle, cashmere sweater with inlay, Christmas sandals, and printed T-shirt.

Don’t miss the DG SANTA CLAUS sunglasses that are an exclusive online store limited edition with only 30 pairs are available. The white frame of vintage inspiration recalls snowy winter landscapes and it is embellished by traditional Christmas decorations. The ultimate stylish accessory for your festive look.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana and © Sandra Bauknecht